2023 YAMAHA WR450F Review | Dirt Bike Test

Jimmy Lewis gives you the full breakdown on the 2023 Yamaha WR450F. Trust Dirt Bike Test's expert opinions, years of experience, and intelligent test riders provide you with crucial information about the machines you are interested in.
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[@olliechristopher467]

Thank you Jimmy. Yamaha is really coming around the last few years with some awesome machines. I'm tempted to get the YZ250X instead of a 300. No electric start but pretty darn light, durable and simple

[@pdubowner]

Great review! I have a pretty modded/maintained/updated 2003 and really wonder what I'm missing with 20 years of advancement. It would be neat to see the two side by side and do a comparison.

[@REDROCKMAN2010]

I remember when Yamaha came out with the first 4stroke WR in 1998. I had a deposit down 6 months in advance! Loved that bike! Great Review.

[@erick5327]

Great video and info

[@jasoncoffman4417]

I have a 2017 450FX and would buy a new WR or FX TODAY if I could find a tank. I have kept my 17 just because I have the Safari 4gal tank and save that bike for the Idaho Tours and Grit Challenges only. I'm doing Grit 3 on it in 2 weeks but would love to have a 2024 FX or WR on Custer lookout next year. All Yamaha would have to do is make a phone call and they could offer a GYTR tank made by one of the popular brands.

[@ashleypearce3507]

In new Zealand the wr is street legal i have a 23 wr250f street legal great bike to learn the road on I've had 16 dirt bikes im in to adventure touring now

[@dirtdad8478]

Thanks for the review. I got my 2023 last november. My tuner just came in last month. Was back ordered for almost 7 months! I have not installed it yet but I am looking forward too. So far I really like the bike. I think it feels really flickable like you stated and it does not feel heavy on the trail. My son has the 2023 WR250F, and man that bike is a hoot too. The gas tank is the only real issue. I guess I am going to buy a GL fuel bladder. I plan on using the bike as a hyped up D/S bike.

[@billdirtadventures6321]

How's it going with the fuel limitations?

[@dirtdad8478]

So far for the type of riding I have been doing I have no real concerns. I used it on a D/S type ride, carried 1 gallon extra in my fuel bladder. Ride was only about 100miles all dirt forest type roads, no sand, nothing too technical. Averaged about 50mpg on that ride. So I can get 100 miles on the tank in those riding conditions. Not in the desert. I would say with the after market tanks available you can get between 110-140 miles depending on the conditions.@@billdirtadventures6321

[@stare-n-aaron9806]

Love your style and your way of explaining the bikes do a comparison with the CRF 450x and the wr450 f please

[@nvmcrider8475]

I have a WR and did all of the uncorking, pipe, ecu, etc... and next time I will just get the FX and buy a cooling fan.

[@Wr450Ripper]

What do u think of the 24 model im going to go have a look at one in January when they are released in uk 😁

[@rezkidgamingyt4725]

Today the WR is pretty much the YZ the 250s you have to make a couple modifications, but they are absolutely rocket ships of a bike I have the 2023 WR 250 F with the competition ECU and CCU. I still need an exhaust system, but I fabricated my own Yamaha race baffle as they’re not available in Canada and in my opinion with the race baffle it has enough power for me. It does whatever I try to do, I don’t race or nothing though just a weekend warrior that rides every day lol i absolutely love Yamaha. But stalk the bike really sucks we have many of the same laws in Canada I removed all those restrictions on my bike . And now it’s a rocket . I’ve also heard that you can get the yz air box too for more air flow . And I to had to order the switch to be able to change maps , being able to change maps when it gets muddy and rocky I’ve only ever use the Mx map and the torque map so far . Anyways Awsome video man oh yha I just switch the back tire to the mx34 Dunlop‘s new hybrid, gummy and so far I love the thing it’s almost like the 33 but it’s a little bit thicker and higher lugs and the 33 was an awesome tire

[@motominded5275]

Love the bikes but unfortunately the gas tank is such a limiting factor since they don't make ones much bigger than stock

[@cruzin7749]

I have a 4 gallon for my 2012😊

[@Jdake801]

Keep wanting this bike but can not find the ecu and wifi module in stock anywhere…. How do I get my hands on one?

[@mikeisland7382]

Would love to see Yamaha mix this WR with some T7 DNA and give us a dual sport 550cc single with big shin height rally tanks. Can't wait to hear how this WR stacks up to your 450X.

[@DirtBikeTest]

We plan to do some comparisons with the WR and its competition in the near future.

[@chillon2922X]

Than look for fantic xef 450 rally.

[@fynn8252]

Thank you Jimmy. I like your approach to these reviews. Do you think the CCU is worth it if you run the stock muffler? Looks like the prices for those things are coming back down. I would love to see you take this on a long distance desert trip! For larger fuel tanks, IMS 2.8gal is a popular option. Safari also makes a 3.3gal one. Both look like a pain to install though! Seat concepts makes a comfort seat specifically for the IMS.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Yes, 100%. I find the CCU in conjunction with the app is the best way to tailor the bike to your preferred power delivery.

[@adambatchelder4121]

I don't know , to me if I'm going to ride a big 4 stroke off road it better come with a license plate or something that makes it more rideable anywhere.

[@sorenmelchior]

Now if only Yamaha could make a street legal variant with a 3.5 or 4 gal tank for those of us that need to ride the street to our trails. Yes it would add weight, and the front would be wider, but still with that engine I think it would still make a great option for us dual sport riders that want a dual sport that works well in tight trails in the woods.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Agreed!

[@ebiebrahimi7472]

Thanks so much for this video Jimm . have any idea of Rebuild intervals ? I’m obsessed looking for a less rebuild required Enduro bike. Have heard this bike is a champ.

[@DirtBikeTest]

We've gone 80 HARD hours on our YZ450FX without cracking the engine, only changing oil and air filters.

[@This-time-more-than-ever]

So just buy a yz then. Same hours for rebuild really.

[@Bgo909]

Dammit, I’m going to pick mine up next couple of weeks. I’ve honestly been thinking and researching for a year and I was looking in the wrong places, I wanted a crf250f but I wanted it to have a 450 in it lol. So basically I wanted a race bike I could ride kinda slow in the woods with a bulletproof engine. This bike has ticked every single box. I’m getting the pipe by and the air box mod, hand guards and I’m gonna ride the ever loving dammit out of it and pray it lasts me a good 8/10 years.

[@frostygonz]

Enjoy it dude! Take care of it and it’ll take care of you!

[@This-time-more-than-ever]

Is the engine bullet proof? 13:1 compression.... Same as yz race bike. Rebuild top end every 100hours! Insane, just buy a yz450

[@jebediahnightlinger6357]

Cool bikes! I have the 23 250F and for the most part, really like the bike! Haven't replaced the stock muffler yet but have installed the CCU and programmable ECU. Haven't really got a map that I really like for more extreme enduro type riding. Add fuel and remove timing slows it down but also kind of kills the low end grunt. I plan on exhaust but have also heard the YZF air box makes a big improvement as well. The suspension on these bikes is the same as a good camera...just point and click, let it do its work!

[@jayzukicmartinez2397]

Quick question does it come with a key fob ? Would want to buy one and use it street legal but afraid that since it does come with a mechanical key I think I can be stolen if park hence neck cannot close .

[@jebediahnightlinger6357]

@@jayzukicmartinez2397 They do not have a key or a fob, just hit the start button. Entirely too easy to snatch!

[@jayzukicmartinez2397]

@@jebediahnightlinger6357 would that's a easy take for thieves I thought it had security so any one can get on it and start it

[@larryr9400]

There is an aftermarket key switch made by whiskey bent metal works.

[@jayzukicmartinez2397]

@@larryr9400 OK that's awesome can the neck be close also ?

[@2uzfe4x43]

Would you take this over the kove for a one size fits most? Everything from commuting to desert to longer adventure rides (dirt) and single track? Even a night desert race maybe?

[@DirtBikeTest]

We'll answer on Tech Talk show #202

[@2uzfe4x43]

maybe also throw in the crf450x? carbed and efi..@@DirtBikeTest

[@elianlopez7121]

Can you please answer me I would like to know if you buy the CCU GYTR and install you can use the app? Or do u have to buy the ECU Too? I’m thinking if buy the YZ450FX or the WR450F 2023

[@DirtBikeTest]

The stock WR ECU is locked so you need to have the Comp ECU as well. And go for the map switch button too. Great for trying different maps on the fly. The FX you will only need the CCU.

[@Mike-uh2gw]

I have to admit the tuner app is pure money. Switching from desert racing to extreme enduro without flame outs is voodoo now but will be normal on the Chinese knock off bikes in a few years. Now when is Yamaha going to give the YZ250X fuel injection, e start and the app?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Totally agree

[@user-bs2xe9km7f]

I just bought a 2023 with 100 miles. I haven't had a motocross bike for a few years but I don't remember the valves being so loud on idle? The sound is greatly reduced with the clutch pulled in. Am I being paranoid or should I look into this? It runs great and starts up easily. Thanks.

[@wayneavison3389]

That's the clutch on the valves. Nothing to worry about.

[@cruzin7749]

Fans.. might have to upgrade from my 2012😊

[@stubabyfuora5280]

I bought a 2015 that came with ecu and tuner, and fmf gytr muffler but was never tuned. I added a 3gal tank which is easy on 2015. Added magura clutch just for feel, dual sport light kit and fmf quiet insert. After tuning it is like a completely different bike. My starting issue is gone, completely satisfied but lots of mods to get there. Much easier to get a ktm tuned to suit me than the yamaha for this reason I really can’t recommend this bike to average rider.

[@DirtBikeTest]

That year WR and the current bike is very, very different

[@stubabyfuora5280]

Yes but still have same problems, 5 speed, small tank, choked up, cable clutch, not streetable, poor starting, and over weight.

[@turbolq4]

​@@DirtBikeTestI bought a 2014 new and it's the same story you're telling with the new one. ECU, muffler, throttle screw, etc. Mine would only do 84 mph with the lame 5 speed and was really hard to enjoy if the trail was slow. Also the low fuel light was on at 30 miles. It was an absolute missile if you could get some flow and the suspension would take hits and whoops effortlessly. Maybe it's the 4 stroke thing but it would flat stall if you jumped on a hill climb and didn't land pretty hard in the throttle. I ended up getting a 300xcw TPI and it's pretty much the opposite. Absolutely beautiful in the tight slow technical stuff, can flow nicely, but not so great at the high speed huge hit terrain. It really depends on what kind of riding you prefer.

[@wyattcitizenzap4539]

yamahas are amazing machines.

[@taberz1]

So, what’s the advantage to this WR with your mods vs a stock 450FX? Why not just buy the FX?

[@DirtBikeTest]

We will be doing a comparison between these two bikes soon, along with comparing it to our modded CRF450X

[@fynn8252]

WR comes with: radiator fan, steel rear sprocket, quiet enduro tuned muffler, speedometer, lights, softer suspension valving and a higher output stator (140W I believe). If these components matter to you, the WR has an advantage. If not, it's a wash. Both can achieve the same goal with modifications.

[@stefanhansen5882]

Awesome! Would you recommend this over the 500 EXC-F for a longer distance "light adventure" bike? Or is the KTM better suited for that? Thanks!

[@DirtBikeTest]

The KTM is better for the availability of Gas tanks.

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@DirtBikeTest Thanks. However, I don't want to go more than 200 km daily. Other reasons for getting a KTM or a Yamaha for a newbie? Reliability?

[@larryr9400]

Any preference between CRF450X and WR450F for senior rider doing easy single track? Think maintenance and longevity are comparable?

[@DirtBikeTest]

We will dive into this on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday #215 tonight

[@desertdrz7618]

Was there an answer to this question?

[@EnduroUK.]

I’m 15 stone and the suspension was REALLY stiff, too stiff , I’ve had billet slave pistons and set to my weight with new Michelin tyres and it’s a different bike!

[@brianh8484]

Predictions for updated 24 ? My guess is new FX. Same WR

[@elianlopez7121]

Cause the old fx and the old WR has not the same chassis The new FX has the chassis from the WR And the WR still have the same

[@DirtBikeTest]

It will likely get the new updates along with the FX for 24

[@OvDirt1]

So does this bike have the new chassis?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Not the same as the 23 YZ450. Like 22 YZ450

[@scottjutson9005]

Make it street legal.

[@Big_Red_Wade]

is the 2019 wr450f similar to this?

[@DirtBikeTest]

It's similar, but this bike has seen some significant chassis updates since that 2019 model.

[@totalglitch]

Can you ride these on the road at 65mph for 30 miles without constantly rebuilding the engine?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Yes, no problem

[@This-time-more-than-ever]

No, you have to rebuild it every 80 hours. Or every 4 months as a daily

[@peacefulbeaver4762]

lmao@@This-time-more-than-ever

[@UnicornMoto]

Would this be a good dual sport conversion platform? Compared to the 450RL?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Your answer will be on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday #203

[@UnicornMoto]

@@DirtBikeTestwatched the video - didn't see the answer.

[@DirtBikeTest]

@@UnicornMoto the whole 2 hours and we didn't get you an answer?

[@matthewzotov4269]

Can you get the fmf slip on without a tune? Or do you need the tune for the fmf

[@DirtBikeTest]

You can do it without but works best with the Comp ECU

[@chasejiannalone8763]

Its always been the perimeter chassis limits gas capacity. Honda as well.

[@DevinOrr]

IMS Makes a 2.8 gallon fuel tank

[@DirtBikeTest]

it is on our bike...

[@WhiteoutSnowy]

Better off go with yz450fx , it’s less restrictive, better flowing pipe , more hp , etc

[@GENINC]

hard to tell if it's a review or an ad without any critical thoughts. No perfect bike/product exists.

[@DirtBikeTest]

We'll discus on TTTT#207, perfectly.

[@wiley0714]

Why is he doing a "self review". Who does a review on a bike after they rip off the exhaust and tweaks/mods etc. FX FX FX tuning app. yap.....

[@DirtBikeTest]

Will, Because this is how our audience will ride the bike. It isn't a TW200...And we are still modding!